Cortisone Injections: A Safe and Effective Treatment for Many Common Diagnoses
As a naturopath, I always look for the most natural options for treatment. Sometimes this is looking at overall diet and lifestyle changes that can modify inflammation in the body. Sometimes this is looking at regenerative injections like prolotherapy or platelet-rich plasma. And other times, corticosteroids are the best option.
Iron Infusions: A Safe Tool for Many When Iron Pills Aren't Cutting It
The dust has settled.
May I see you out?
I can’t remember the last time I was this busy! While I tend to do my best work when I am overburdened and scheduled to the max, I can’t help but ask myself if I’m running from something or trying too hard. I have to say that all of these things have flowed so naturally and easily that I didn’t really question them until my mentor pointed out how attractive it is for the world to bring so many things to me… rather than allow the world to unfold for me.
Tripping into Clinical Internship...
Last week was rough finding time for all of my passion projects… as in I didn’t find as much as I needed. I officially started as a fourth-year naturopathic medical student, which means I began my internship. Unlike medical doctors who get four years of medical training and then multiple years of residency (the first of which is known as their internship year), we get three years of medical training and then a year of internship, all within the context of our four-year doctorate level of education.
The intern year for naturopaths is where we get to see patients and work under licensed naturopathic doctors and learn through hands-on experience. It’s also known as our clinical year, which is meant to prepare us for working as independent, licensed naturopathic doctors within a year and a half’s time.
WILY... May is Here!
As I reflected upon the idea of usefulness being found in uselessness, I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by a recurring, negative, emotional experience I have had throughout my life. It is one centered around this idea of being useless and how that is tied to shame and guilt. There was this single moment, an instant, where I felt this sudden wave of relief. It was as if I was permitted to extend myself grace for all of those moments I had beaten myself up about feeling useless. I must admit, the moment was short, but recalling it now, I can almost feel what I felt at that moment. This inner knowing that being useless is in fact needed for being useful.
What I learned yesterday... Fourth April Edition
It started off with a bang when I was able to jump off the plane and head to a large stadium and receive my second vaccination! I was so grateful to be in the USA where vaccines are plentiful and readily available. I also felt immensely grateful to be American and have the chance to get my second dose in short order.
In Canada, we are following the UK guidelines for vaccination schedules and are trying to get more people vaccinated with one shot rather than having fewer, fully vaccinated people. This means that there is a four-month delay between the first and second doses of COVID19 vaccinations. I definitely understand and respect this decision made in the interest of public health, but equally felt excited to receive my dose in alignment with data published (either 21 days later for Pfizer or 28 days for Moderna). As a Pfizer recipient, I was able to get my second dose 24 days after my first jab in Canada. Not too bad!